New key time

[supton]

Dealer or is there a bit cost savings to go to a locksmith? I'm guessing this will cost $100? I do have the Toyota key tag, the little metal bit with the key code that came with the car.

Wife's key is able to unlock the car but not lock. So I want to proactively replace.

Key looks like this. No fob (no RKE on this car).

 

[kschachn]

I have similar keys for my two old Toyota cars, those can be made almost anywhere. I also had the tags so I just ordered a couple OEM keys from the dealer and they cut them for free using the tag number.

 

[supton]

Are these chipped somehow?

 

[skyactiv]

Useful info:
https://www.denver-locksmith.net/2013/10/toyota-camry-lost-key/

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv

Useful info:
https://www.denver-locksmith.net/2013/10/toyota-camry-lost-key/


Thank you. Sounds like a trip to dealer is best, due to the immobilizer.

 

[michaelluscher]

Which Camry is this?

The '99?

 

[JamesBond]

I've gotten chip keys cut and programmed at Walmart for $30-40. Home Depot might also do it. Use your sharpest key to make the copy. If you're really paranoid make a $5 no chip copy to keep as a template, or keep as a hidden key if you lock your keys in the car.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Which Camry is this?

The '99?


2011.

Originally Posted By: JamesBond
I've gotten chip keys cut and programmed at Walmart for $30-40. Home Depot might also do it. Use your sharpest key to make the copy. If you're really paranoid make a $5 no chip copy to keep as a template, or keep as a hidden key if you lock your keys in the car.


Not paranoid, just trying to determine cost and if I need to use the dealer (which is easy to do and I'm guessing I can blow in and out fast) or if there are better options.

 

[supton]

Gave in and called the dealer. They couldn't determine if I had an immobilizer or not--I'm 99% sure I do, only because it's 2011 and "everyone" had one.

$5 to cut a regular key, which if it starts, no immobilizer. No start and I have a spare key in case the keys are locked inside the car. $28 for a regular key, and $65 if I have to have it programmed. So $110 at the dealer, worst case. I think I'll do that route, easiest.

 

[Audios]

Home Depot will cut these and they have a machine that tells if it has a chip.

 

[nthach]

The OEM keys are best although you can get away with aftermarket brass keys on "regular" keys. I think if you stay with an Ilco or Strattec blank you should be OK, but I don't trust key machines at Home Depot - they are foolproof but they also see high duty cycles and little maintenance. Too bad a car key can't be "punched" like a house key.

Sidecut style keys should always be OEM, as brass keys are known to cause issues with those lock cylinders.